Going on vacation by myself

[ABdude]

As luck would have it, I am going on my first real vacation in three years and my first ever outside of Canada/US. Although technically, I will be boarding the same plane as my friend and his SO, he has made it very clear that once we arrive at the hotel that I am on my own.

On one hand I am excited at this prospect. Since I am not tied down to anyone or anything (aside from a bit of mandatory sightseeing with said friend, as well meeting a local girl who seems to have the hots for me...long story), I can pursue activities according to my interests. On the other hand, I will be more or less be at a resort by myself, and I will be responsible for my own socializing, and the slight bit of social anxiety that most likely will come with it.

Obviously, I will not be the first person that has gone to an exotic resort by his or herself, and I certainly will not be the last. For those that have been on vacation by themselves, how did you fare? Did you find it easy to get to know people or was it more difficult. Ideally, my goal would be to get some sun, relax, meet a ton of people and try new activities, and if circumstances allow, have a vacation hook-up or two, (hey, at least I am being honest).

P.S. In case anyone is interested, I will be staying in Varadero, Cuba.

[lisamelinda]

haha - holiday flings well i think it depends on the place and your frame of mind. i spent a few days in thailand by myself and i hated it. but at the time i missed my ex, first time overseas, scared, got screwed over a few times by unscrupolous taxi drivers, the list goes on. however, i did meet a few people by default. i think it could be really fun if you go with the right attitude. hope you have a fantastic trip!

[vMike]

Last September I've travelled alone in western Europe for about a month. I was very worried at first, and read lots of stuff in forums, especially Thorn Tree Travel Forum - Lonely Planet, but it was a great experience overall, met lots of interesting people and it definitely helped increase my social experience. After a couple weeks I felt so easy with people I had many random conversations with strangers and after 5-10 minutes they would start telling me some really private things about themselves and some introduced me to friends and invited over. And I'm usually a rather introvert person.
The biggest regret though is that I'll likely never see any of these people again.

I mostly stayed at cheap hostels - not only to save money, but also because the cheaper it is, the more social the place. In paris I was in a small room with 6 people. Beds even had no sheets and there was only one restroom on the floor. But the people were very friendly and we talked a lot. I usually stayed at each city for 2-3 days and then went on to the next one.

I think traveling alone is definitely the best if you're single!

[recordrustle]

ITS AWESOME!
I went traveling to central america and europe alone. at first i was a bit like "ahhhhh! i dont know anyone on this continent" but you meet people and you just start talking. i've always had a bit of social anxiety thing but traveling by myself made me make an effort to socialise with people and thats what traveling is about, as well as discovering new cultures etc. i think if you have an open mind you will meet people.

i think its good to travel alone as you make the decisions of what you wanna do, you dont have to babysit anyone. i thought i had an easier time making friends traveling than normally in my home town. there are always other solo travelers in the same boat.
man, i want to go to cuba! have a great time!

[SimonaRich]

I live in London and I travel quite often, so sometimes I decide to travel alone to get away from all my friends and experience completely new places and people.

I find it very easy to make friends abroad, especially when travelling alone. Locals always show something tourists would never find and they are more likely to talk to you if you dress normally, not like a tourist! (At least from my experience)